Menu

Christian symbols in their various forms have been used in churches from the days of the apostles to the present. Some of the symbols used at Abiding Faith are permanent and others change from time to time throughout the church year. We hope that a brief explanation of the symbols we use will help to enhance the beauty of God's house for all who worship with us.



Luther's Seal
The most notable symbol on the building can be seen from Old Nashville Highway. It is the personal seal of Dr. Martin Luther, the stained glass rose window. This rose symbolizes Lutheran teaching. As explained by Dr. Luther in a letter to Lazarus Spengler on July 8, 1530, Martin Luther explained his seal and the principle pieces of that seal as follows:

The Cross  The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For one who believes from the heart will be justified" (Romans 10:10).

The Heart  Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the crucified.

The Rose  Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12).

Blue Background  Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed.

The Golden Ring  And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal.

 


 

---

The door through which you enter our building, under the breezeway, brings you into our fellowship hall. Various publications on the table to the left are provided free of charge. The Meditations, a daily devotional guide, is published quarterly and Forward in Christ, a magazine containing news from the synod, articles, and bible studies, is published monthly. The Mission Connections newsletter brings us information about the work of our missionaries througout the world. 


 
At the end of the table stands a pedestal on which our guest register waits. We encourage visitors to sign our guest book as they enter or leave after worshipping with us. 


  
Sanctuary
As you enter the sanctuary (worship area), you probably first notice the cross above the altar. The cross is repeated on the end panel of many pews, on top of the baptismal font, and on the front of the pulpit. The cross reminds us of Christ's death. He willingly paid the penalty for our sins. The fact that it's empty reminds us of his resurrection and gives us the sure hope of eternal life with him in heaven. 










The front of the baptismal font bears a dove, symbolizing the entry of the Holy Spirit into the heart of the baptized individual.